Not sure which direction to go.

[13x13]

So here is my dilemma.  Part of me wants to write a fantasy novel, because it has a larger audience and I feel I can write more of a character centric story.  However, all the ideas have me coming back to sci-fi.  Problem with Sci-fi is the idea for the novel or short story, is not character based but idea based and it's audience is smaller than fantasy.  Not sure which direction to go.

[Craz]

Well, which do you want to write? What's more in your interest? A character-centric story, or a plot-centric one? Heck, even try writing out the first few pages of both to gauge what you want to do.

[Paynesgrey]

Try the plot, see if a character crawls out of it.  Even if you end up with just a plot bases story skeleton, you can always shelve it for future reference, until a character happens in your head that would make it sing.

[fivestyle]

Can you combine the two ideas? Maybe you might find your own genre of story thats very appealing.

[the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh]

So here is my dilemma.  Part of me wants to write a fantasy novel, because it has a larger audience and I feel I can write more of a character centric story.  However, all the ideas have me coming back to sci-fi.  Problem with Sci-fi is the idea for the novel or short story, is not character based but idea based and it's audience is smaller than fantasy.  Not sure which direction to go.

Do both.

[meg_evonne]

Even if the work is idea driven, won't you still come back to characters to tell the story?  Are you thinking fantasy from a pure need or desire to seek publication?  Perhaps, you are listening to the wrong motivation, especially if you keep shifting to straigh scifi.  

How about you follow the direction that will most challenge or improve your craft?  Well writing to you, no matter what you decide.  

[Suilan]

Who says Science Fiction can't be character-based? Course it can, just like any other genre. Do you know McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Series? It's all about Miles Vorkosigan, the main character. The novels are fast-paced anyway. Plus, you might want to look at the subgenres. As for mixing SciFi and Fantasy, that's not really a new idea, it's been done before. So often, it's a subgenre in its own right.

Just start writing and see where it leads you. Good luck.

[KevinEvans]

What she said,

Write the story first and see where it fits. It is all about the people in the story and in keeping your readers interested. the markets are out there, write it, and get it out to see what they think of it.
Regards,
Kevin

Who says Science Fiction can't be character-based? Course it can, just like any other genre. Do you know McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Series? It's all about Miles Vorkosigan, the main character. The novels are fast-paced anyway. Plus, you might want to look at the subgenres. As for mixing SciFi and Fantasy, that's not really a new idea, it's been done before. So often, it's a subgenre in its own right.

Just start writing and see where it leads you. Good luck.

[Richelle Mead]

Don't worry about the market or audience at this point.  Write what feels most natural and good for you.  When you write with a target--and not your heart--in mind, it shows.  (I know, I know...that sounds very Zen like, but a lot of writers say this, and I can verify it with personal experience).

As for the character/idea problem, start writing the idea and see if the characters can come together as you do it.  It might be useful to do exercises with them, writing up bios or trait sheets.  There are a lot of great chracter trait books out there, and while it may seem formulaic, starting with those can actually spark some ideas.  You may then find the characters starting to drive the story as you write it, the more you start to think about them.